Last weekend saw the culmination of the inaugural edition of Ofakim, our leader program for young teens, with a Shabbaton they will remember forever (pictured). The class of 2024 have had the most incredible journey, thanks in no small part to program leader Avishai Conyer, who is already accepting expressions of interest for 2025. If your child will be in year 8 or 9 next year, learn more about Ofakim here, and save their spot by emailing Avishai here.
On Monday, we were delighted to host the 20th anniversary of the NCJWA’s annual event, Celebrating Israel with Dalia Ayalon Sinclair. Thank you for joining us on this momentous occasion.
This afternoon, at 4.30 pm, we welcome you to the final ShabbaTot for the year—register here—and from 6.15 pm, join us for the final Shabbat Live in person or online on emanuelplus here. Both will return on 7 February after a short break.
Next Friday, we look forward to coming together for one last Kol Nefesh for 2024. Join us on campus from 6.15 pm on 13 December and mark your diary with the first edition of 2025 on Friday 31 January.
While you're setting reminders, don't forget to claim your complimentary will until Tuesday 17 December, thanks to an initiative of the Emanuel Synagogue Foundation and Safewill, Australia's leading online will-writing platform. Learn more below and get started here.
This Shabbat, we continue to pray for the release of the hostages, who have now been away from their families for 426 days. May they be reunited, and may we begin to see the first signs of a lasting peace in the region.
Shabbat shalom.
TWO WEEKS LEFT TO CLAIM YOUR COMPLIMENTARY, OBLIGATION-FREE WILL
Safewill's straightforward and legally-binding solution allows you to secure your legacy with peace of mind. It’s quick—20 minutes or less, from start to finish—and all wills are reviewed by trusted Australian lawyers.
Thanks to a partnership bewteen the Emanuel Synagogue Foundation and Safewill, you can claim your free will here, until Tuesday 17 December.
You're not obliged to make a bequest to Emanuel Synagogue to qualify for the free will-writing offer, but when you name Emanuel Synagogue as a beneficiary of your estate, you are making a commitment to our community and providing essential support for the congregation beyond your lifetime, ensuring our shared values and beliefs are preserved well into the future for generations to come.
If you have questions relating to the Safewill program, or bequests to Emanuel Synagogue in general, please send Rabbi Sam Zwarenstein on 02 9389 6444, or atszwarenstein@emanuel.org.au.
From 'One Kafka, One Hundred Times' by illustrator Michel Kichka, for the National Library exhibit 'Kafka: Metamorphosis of an Author,' December 2024-June 2025 (Jessica Steinberg)
Raise awareness of hostages with a yellow ribbon pin, available here.
On Monday 9 December, join Rabbi Rafi Kaiserblueth for the latest instalment of Conversations About Israel. This week's topic: Where do we go from here?An update on the latest developments in Israel and what to expect. Join us on emanuelplus here or in person from 10.00 am.
9.00 am | Location on arrival Aufruf of Ben Challis & Nicole Phillips
Kid's Shabbat Service 10.15 am | Education Centre
Pictured: Rabbi Kaiserblueth with newlyweds Rebecca Zipser and Michael Nebenzahl
This week we celebrate the aufruf of Ben Challis and Nicole Phillips.
VAYEITZEI RABBI JACQUELINE NINIO OAM
My grandmother used to say that a Jew always knows where they are born but does not know where they will die. And that has been true for generations of our people: wandering Jews, we have lived in countries across the globe. Adam and Eve were the first to leave their home when they were forced from the Garden of Eden into a world which was harsh and unkind. Abraham, our ancestor, left his homeland and his family, all he knew, to forge a new path in the world. And this shabbat, we find Jacob, fleeing the wrath of his brother, headed for an uncertain future, stopping along the way and dreaming of a ladder connecting the heavens and the earth. Each one of these ancestors travelled on a journey, some by choice and others by necessity or force.
We extend our heartfelt sympathies to those in our community who are mourning the death of their loved ones and we grieve the loss of so many lives in the current war in the land of Israel.
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SHLOSHIM Agnes Stockler SHLOSHIM Alex Goldberg, Anne Silvers, George Fromberg, Jacob (John) Slomovits, Harold William (Bill) Koerber, Jane Simons (Zines), Orietta Sinani, Fryda Mann, Joanne Baskin.
YAHRZEIT On the anniversary of the death of a loved one, Yahrzeit (annual remembrance) is observed by their relatives. Every year, in the lead up to this day, we will contact you to advise that your loved one's name will be read on the Shabbat before the Yahrzeit. .
Enrolments for 2025 are filling up fast at Emanuel Woollahra Preschool. Secure your child’s place today and give give your precious little ones the best possible start to their education.
AGES 2 to 3 – Waitlist only AGES 3 to 4 –Final spots AGES 4 to 5 – Final spots
Emanuel Synagogue members receive an exclusive 5% discount on fees.
Learn more and enrol below or call (02) 9363 1809.
Emanuel Synagogue members have free access to our streaming platform, emanuelplus . Please contact info@emanuel.org.au or call us on (02) 9389 6444 if you need help getting started .
Filmed at the glorious B'nai Jeshurun Synagogue in New York City, this performance features our very own Rabbi George Mordecai as he shares a sacred melody passed down through generations of his family and others who journeyed from Iraq to India, Southeast Asia, and ultimately to Australia.
Her Excellency Mrs Wassane Zailachi Last year, Emanuel Synagogue had the honour of welcoming Her Excellency Mrs. Wassane Zailachi, Ambassador of His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco to Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands. During this insightful conversation, Her Excellency shared her extensive diplomatic experience and rich cultural heritage, exploring the unique history and vibrant legacy of Judaism in Morocco.
This unique audio-visual feature delves into musical and physical interpretations of the well-known Sephardic Jewish song Por La Tu Puerta Yo Pasí. Created by Dr. Nela Trifković, artistic director of the music ensemble SARAY Iluminado, the piece is brought to life in collaboration with dancer Israel Aloni.
NEW RELEASE GABRIELLA MORDECAI: A PLACE I NEVER KNEW Shabbat Live fixture Gabriella Mordecai has released her stunning debut album, A Place I Never Knew. This heartfelt collection takes listeners on a journey through a rich tapestry of musical genres, blending soulful melodies with thought-provoking lyrics. Whether you're looking for inspiration or simply beautiful music to accompany your day, this album is a must-listen.
SUPPORT JEWISH INDEPENDENT FILMMAKING Deadline: Friday 13 December
Kate Vinen, the multi-award-winning filmmaker behind the documentary that features Emanuel Synagogue, The Caretakers (streaming here on emanuelplus), is set to make her next work and you have the opportunity to help her vision come to life. Set in the dramatic ocean-side Eastern suburbs of Sydney, Flow follows Harper, who wrestles with her identity after losing her ability to have children. Read more about the project and make a tax-deductible donation to the Australian Cultural Fund page below.
B'nai B'rith has been knitting woolen beanies to provide warmth and comfort to IDF soldiers, but shipping costs remain prohibitive. They are seeking travelers heading to Israel in the coming weeks or months who may be able to assist by bringing beanies as part of their luggage or excess baggage. All expenses will be covered. For more information, please get inquire below .
